Operating profit before tax increased in the mining industry by 7% to $6.6 billion in 1998-99, according to a preliminary report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The report also showed that in the electricity industry operating profit before tax rose by 29% to $3.0 billion. However, while the gas industry also showed an increase (62%) in operating profit before tax to $1.1 billion that rise was affected by changes to statistical reporting due to the gas industry's change in business activities after restructuring.

Turnover in the mining industry decreased by $179 million (less than one per cent). Decreases in turnover were reported by the coal mining industry which fell by $261 million (2%) and the gold ore mining industry, down $127 million (2%). Increases in turnover occurred in the iron ore mining industry, up $215 million (5%) and the copper ore mining industry, up $209 million (10%). Coal mining continued to provide the largest contribution (31%) to total turnover for the industry. Oil and gas extraction is the second largest contributor (25%).

Employment in the mining industry decreased by 4,282 people (8%) to 50,532 people over 1997-98. Though it remains the largest employer among mining industries, most of the decrease occurred in the coal mining industry where employment dropped by 2,394 people (12%) due to cuts in operating costs and several mine closures. All other mining industries experienced smaller decreases in employment, with iron ore mining down 466 people (9%) and gold ore mining down 128 people (2%).

Turnover in the electricity industry decreased by $74 million (less than one per cent) to $21.5 billion in 1998-99. Earnings before interest and tax increased by $672 million (14%) in 1998-99 mainly through a reduction in expenses incurred within the industry.

Employment in the electricity industry dropped by 1,536 (4%) to 33,392 people as the industry continues to streamline and outsource its operations.

The gas industry has experienced structural changes in 1998-99 which have affected the way in which statistical data are reported. This has changed the way some external payments and receipts of transmission expenses and sales commission expenses are recorded. Turnover in the gas industry increased by $63 million (1%) to $4,348 million in 1998-99. Employment rose by 483 (18%), mainly due to industry restructuring, which resulted in gas industry businesses undertaking activities previously carried out in other industries.

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